Branch managers responsible for key Ridgeons branches in Cambridge have been appointed as the company embarks on a series of major new investments and changes in the city over the next seven months.

The new developments have provided opportunities for Branch Managers, Adam Thompson and Mark Johnson, to advance their careers with Ridgeons, as they take charge of changes involving the Cromwell Road, Nuffield Road and the new Norman Way branches.

Adam Thompson, Branch Manager of the new Norman Way branch

Adam has been appointed as Branch Manager for the new Norman Way flagship branch – opening Easter 2018. He currently heads up the Cromwell Road branch. When it closes next April, Adam will take the majority of the workforce with him.

His new role is the latest in his rise through the ranks at Ridgeons where he has spent his entire working life.

Adam first joined Ridgeons on a work experience placement, which he completed in 2003. The following year, he went on to work in a part-time position before going on to become a full-time employee in 2005 as Counter Sales Assistant. He then took on a warehouse role at the Cromwell Road branch, followed by other varied roles including a supervisory and managerial role.

Nine years later, he was promoted to Assistant Manager at the Newmarket branch before spending two years as Branch Manager at St Ives.

Adam commented: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take on this role at the new Norman Way branch. I’ve been part of the company since I was 14 years old – when I did work experience. It has clearly been a huge part of my life.

“I look forward to taking charge of the transition from Cromwell Road to Norman Way over the next seven months, and I’ll be looking to maintain the high levels of service expected by our loyal Cambridge customers.”

Mark Johnson, Branch Manager of the Nuffield Road branch

In September, Mark Johnson was appointed Branch Manager of the Cambridge North branch on Nuffield Road, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and expansion programme.

Mark’s career at Ridgeons began in 2010 when he joined as Branch Manager for the former Independent Living brand in Cambridge. He then became Branch Manager of the branch in Peterborough, and in 2012, progressed to Operations Manager at Nuffield Road.

He is overseeing the branch’s development, which will make it Ridgeons’ largest branch in Cambridge, and expand to include a new kitchen and bathroom showroom, Anglia Tool Centre, an improved PlumbStock, and GR8 Tool and Equipment Hire.

Working closely with Adam, Mark will also be responsible for the transition of operations from Cromwell Road to Nuffield Road. Next year, the branch will become the base for the customer delivery service in Cambridge, and provide stock to the Norman Way branch.

Mark commented: “Being appointed as Branch Manager at Nuffield Road at such an exciting time for Ridgeons is a privilege. I’m advancing my skills and using existing ones to ensure the success of these changes, while continuing to provide customers with the service that Ridgeons is known for.”

Additional appointments include two Customer Service Managers for both Norman Way and Nuffield Road to enhance the Ridgeons service for busy tradespeople.

Richard Gray, Group Operations Director for Ridgeons, added: “Both Adam and Mark are two of the most talented and dedicated members of the Ridgeons team; we are delighted that they will be leading branches that are of great importance to the Ridgeon Group.

“We believe the appointments underline our commitment to offering the opportunities to our staff to grow within our business, rewarding our brightest and best. Ridgeons are always looking for ways to grow, but at our core we remain a loyal, independent, family business and Adam and Mark are very much part of the Ridgeons family.”

Picture caption: Mark Johnson in the Ridgeons Nuffield Road branch’s new specialist decorating centre.